Waste facility at Subic Aeta community closed

MANILA, Philippines — The operation of a waste facility located inside the ancestral domain of an Aeta community in Subic, Zambales has been stopped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said a cease and desist order was issued two days ago against the operator of the dump located in Barangay Naugsol.

Environmentalists and indigenous people’s groups have filed a complaint against the facility, citing health concerns.

A waste facility in Floridablanca, Pampanga is being eyed as an alternative dumping site for garbage originally intended for the facility at the Aeta community.

Records showed the facility started operating in 2019 and was discovered only in 2022.